LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Rhonda Hollingsworth was nominated by her principal, Mickey Connolly.

Mrs. Hollingsworth is a wise teacher who knows many things. She knows about gardens, people, and especially children. She knows how similar they are and what special care it takes for both to flourish.

"In the children’s picture book, Mrs. Spitzer’s Garden, by Edith Pattou, the main character lovingly plants and tends to her garden, nurturing each plant according to its individual needs," Connolly said. "Each time I read this book, I am reminded of Rhonda Hollingsworth."

Throughout her career, Mrs. Hollingsworth has always planted the seeds of knowledge in a way that engages her students and enthusiastically nurtures them according to their individual needs. She spends countless hours planning, researching, analyzing data, preparing lessons, meeting with colleagues and working diligently to ensure everyone in the classroom is learning at the pace that is best for them.

As a life-long learner, Mrs. Hollingsworth spends the majority of her free time soaking up all the knowledge she can through attending conferences, studying current research, and participating and leading professional development sessions. The success of her former and current students inside the classroom and beyond shows how she instills her love of learning throughout her garden.

Educators who work with Mrs. Hollingsworth recognize her as a leader in the field of education and hold her in the highest regard. She is the epitome of commitment, dedication, wisdom, and love. The leadership roles she holds in her school and district are abundant. In addition to her position as a reading coach, she plans and leads parenting programs, Title I meetings, grade level/faculty meetings and cross-curricular professional development sessions.

Mrs. Hollingsworth's commitment to young people spills over into her personal life, where she holds herself to the highest principles of integrity and selflessness. She is devoted to her family, including a child she informally adopted when he was an infant after his mother’s death. She is also devoted to her church and serves as the director of Youth Programs.

"Like Mrs. Spitzer, Mrs. Hollingsworth truly differentiates to help others grow regardless if she is helping a student, teacher, or friend," Connolly said. "She supports everyone in making improvements from their individual needs. A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it; it just blooms!"

Whether one is a student, a parent, or a fellow educator, Mrs. Hollingsworth goes out of her way to help. Through her love, dedication and wisdom, everyone who is lucky enough to be in her "garden" will surely bloom.

Rhonda Hollingsworth in the News:
Two nominated for national award